Your Free Perth Visitor Information Guide

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If you really want to get to know Perth, spend some time exploring its ‘villages.’ These inner-city enclaves each have a distinct vibe and feel, with plenty of food and drink offerings to round out the precinct experience.
Leederville
Leederville has the lot: cafes, restaurants and breezy pubs, plus an independent cinema, record stores, quirky gift shops, and edgy fashion. Its feel is more gritty than some of Perth’s more genteel suburbs, and with lots of laid-back al fresco dining it offers good people-watching, along with some of Perth’s best coffee. Breakfast is big here. At any time of the day, food spans tapas, seafood, burgers and Asian to quality pub food. Oxford Street is the main strip; come for a bustling vibe. It's roughly a five minute journey by car north west from Perth city, or one train stop from Perth on the Joondalup Line.
Tips:
Grab a takeaway from th... More

Perth's beaches are justifiably famous, but its nature trails are gorgeous too, especially in the cooler weather. You don't have to go far from the city to enjoy a walk in the bush, be it a half hour or half a day.
Bushland Nature Trail, Kings Park
Looking for a quick and accessible commune with nature? Try the Bushland Nature Trail in Kings Park, a 25 minute loop walk brimming with flowers and birdlife. Enter near the Botanic Garden carpark off Forrest Drive. If you feel like going further, hook up with the 2.5k Law Walk Loop or the a 90 minute Boodja Gnaring Walk, whose interpretive signage gives some insight into the Nyoongar people native to the area.
Matilda Bay Reserve, Nedlands
Perth's river really is pretty, and nowhere more than in genteel Nedlands. Its wide grassed areas, little sandy beaches and bobbing boats bringing to mind a gentler time. There are riverfront w... More

The trend towards sophisticated night spots with great drinks lists has seen an explosion of wine bars across Perth. Yes, they do wine - local, international, natural and organic - but many also do great cocktails and wonderful food. The best ones have tuned-in staff who can guide you where you palate didn't even know it wanted to go. Here's a few of our favourites.
Shadow Wine Bar, Perth CBD
You can see the old world European dining inspiration here, but there's also a contemporary edge to the moodily lit room. Impressive stemware heralds the option to drink wine by the bottle, carafe or glass, and the mod-Oz food menu reflects the mix of European and Australian wines on the list.
http://www.shadowwinebar.com.au/
Petition Wine Bar, Perth CBD
Wine producers from around the globe are celebrated at this atmospheric spot in the Old Treasury Buildings, so the wine list is an ... More

Perth's live music scene is thriving. Some big name acts hail from here, from AC/DC to Tame Impala, John Butler and The Waifs, so that's not surprising. Perth's music venues span casual hangouts to nightclubs and dedicated jazz venues. Hear anything from promising local acts to international visitors.
The Astor Theatre, Mount Lawley
In nearly 100 years since it opened as The Lyceum, The Astor Theatre has seen action as a place to see theatre, dancing, orchestra, karate, silent movies and more. These days it's one of the best live music venues in Perth. Its vintage red velvet chairs and art deco aesthetic make a great backdrop for local, national and international acts.
Jack Rabbit Slims, Northbridge
From fries to alcoholic milkshakes, Jack Rabbit Slim’s takes its cues from 1950’s pulp fiction. Walk through the refrigerator doors into a night club hosting a variety of local an... More

Perth’s winter is typically mild, but when it's not warm enough for the beach, turn to its markets, cafés, bars, galleries and hiking trails. Here's a few ideas.
Take a walk
Great for those brisk but sunny Perth winter days, walking is both scenic, and ideal for shaking off all those restaurant meals. If the ocean's too wild, amble along the Swan River trails anywhere between the city and Fremantle. Serious nature lovers can head out to the hills for a more substantial bush walk. Close to the city, walk among the shelter of tall trees in Kings Park. You won't believe you're minutes from the CBD.
Find a Festival
Summer is redolent with festival fever, but no festival matches the cosy vibe of the Fremantle Festival: 10 Nights in Port. The West End of Freo envelops festival goers in a warm hug as they hunker down inside its character-filled pubs and reimagined venues. There's li... More

The kangaroos don't hop down city streets in Perth, but there are places to spot them in the wild. Same goes for dolphins, penguins, quokkas and other furry critters. Whether you're looking for an encounter in nature, or a curated experience, there are certainly wildlife spotting options in and around Perth. Here's a few.
Caversham Wildlife Park
This family-owned venture houses around 200 species of animals within the grounds of Whiteman Park, 30 minutes drive east of Perth. See Tasmanian devils, wombats, possums, dingos, quoll, flying fox, emus, owls and reptiles. See koalas on the boardwalk, and get a photo taken while feeding the kangaroos.
Perth Zoo
The Perth Zoo is both a fun day out and an exercise in wildlife conservation and education. You can wander the natural enclosures to see animals from around the world, from elephants to gibbons to fairy penguins. The zoo's sug... More

If you didn’t take a selfie, it didn’t happen, right? But you need to make your backdrops count. Here’s our list – some iconic, some quirky – of places to point your selfie stick when visiting Fremantle.
Under the Rainbow
Fremantle’s entry statement – a 9 metre high rainbow arch made from sea containers – is shaping up to be the most photographed public artwork in the neighbourhood. Find it on Canning Highway, between the bridges. Be inventive with your angles here. Extra points for wearing rainbow coloured clothing or bringing your own props.
At the warehouse by the sea
Not just any warehouse. The vast frontage of East West Designs in South Fremantle is festooned with a magnificent trompe l’oeil mural, brimming with lush scenes, quirky characters, elephants, dogs, and even the occasional alien. It’s Where’s Wally on speed, and it adorns dozens of metres across two streets – ... More

‘Made in China’ is not what you want to see on the tag when shopping for a memento of Perth. What you’re after is the genuine article; something dreamed up, mapped out and created right here in Perth. From small batch spirits to artworks, jewellery, skin care, home wares and clothing, here are some shops that will satisfy your yearning for unique, authentic gifts from right here.
Found at Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle
Representing artists from Fremantle and wider WA, this little treasure trove at Fremantle’s main arts hub is laden with art prints, paper cuts, jewellery, textiles, stationery, books and ceramics. You can’t really go wrong shopping here; gravitate to what you fancy and find a price point to fit.
1 Finnerty Street, Fremantle
Angove Street Collective, North Perth.
A swag of independent creative small businesses have joined forces to make a big impact at thi... More

Perth's long, balmy summer has many benefits, not least of which is the chance to watch movies under the stars. Outdoor cinemas are all over the city, from high rise roof tops to pine-flanked auditoriums. Some operate between October and April, so the outdoor movie experience is - remarkably - on offer for half of the year.
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Rooftop Movies, Perth CBD
Bright bean bag chairs, fairy lights and other quirky props adorn the rooftop of an undercover carpark, six storeys above the CBD. Between October to April, a daily changing program of films unfolds, complete with glittering city views.
Moonlight Cinema, Kings Park
Here's a novel way to see Kings Park by night. Between December and March, the Kings Park Botanic Gardens becomes a cinema after dark, screening both classic and new release films. You can bring a cushion, rug or low chair, or hire a comfy bean bed. Ca... More

With frequent blue skies and more than its share of sunshine, Perth is a summer playground that can be enjoyed without a hefty price tag. Here's a list of ways to enjoy Perth in summer without breaking the bank.
Sunset at the Civic Centre Gardens
Beach too crowded? One of Cottesloe’s hidden gems - even for the locals - is the Civic Centre Gardens. Like something from a mid-century story book, this grand site has multiple tiers of lawn and garden, shaded by towering pines. It's a great place to watch the sun go down over the Indian Ocean. You can access the Gardens from all sides, with lots of parking available on Napier and Broome Streets. Pack a picnic - you may want to spend some time here.
Sunday music at the Fremantle Arts Centre
Every Sunday between October and March, the shady front lawn at the historic Fremantle Arts Centre is given over to two hours of live music from... More

Western Australia has the largest collection of wildflowers in the world - a whopping 12,000 species, 60% of which aren’t found anywhere else. They start blooming in the state's north in July to August, and can still be found in the cooler southern areas into October and November. Wildflowers cover a vast amount of terrain, but if you want to see them in or near Perth, here's where to head come August and September.
Kings Park Botanic Gardens
From kangaroo paws to carpets of everlastings, the Botanic Gardens showcase a stunning 3000 species of native plants across 17 hectares of gardens. Navigate your own way with a map from the Information centre, or join a free guided walk. The Kings Park Festival in September is the ideal time to visit.
Serpentine National Park Wildflower Trail
The hills of Serpentine are dotted with Spider Orchids, Greenhoods and Trigger Plants in spring... More

Perth's green spaces are plentiful, beautiful, and relatively free of crowds. From the inner city marvel that is Kings Park to outlying patches of wilderness, we've compiled a list of places to get your nature fix.
Kings Park
High on the must-visit list, Kings Park is the complete package. Right in the city, its huge 400 hectare expanse has river views, manicured gardens, vast grassy stretches and bush wilderness trails. There are lakes, streams and treetop walks, so there's no shortage of spots to explore or just sit and picnic. Botanical enthusiasts can get amongst the 3000 species, and consider both Aboriginal and European influences within the park. Free daily guided walks are a good way to get your bearings. As well as eating options, the park is home to Aspects gallery and gift shop, full of creations by local artists.
Burswood Park
Another lush patch close to the city... More

Nothing says 'indulgent moment on holiday' like High Tea. A leisurely afternoon feast on delicate petit fours, with or without a glass of bubbles in hand, can be a real memory-maker. Here's some places in Perth to set your sights.
Treasury Lounge and Bar, Perth CBD
Perth's renovated Treasury Buildings are a must-visit in Perth city for food and wine. If you can't squeeze in dinner or a wine bar encounter, high tea is the perfect alternative. Seasonal fruits and vegetables always feature in the menu that changes with the seasons. You can plump for a straight afternoon tea, or add local wine or French fizz for extra decadence.
C Restaurant, Perth CBD
If you're going to indulge at Western Australia’s only revolving venue, high tea is a good moment to do it. From the 33rd floor of St. Martins Tower, the views are endless - and constantly changing. Your glass of fizz can... More

Markets are having their day. As people yearn for more connection with the makers of their goods, markets have become a genuine shopping alternative for produce and other wares. Mostly cranking up on weekends, markets are an ideal way for visitors to get a sense of a place and its people. Even if you're not shopping for fresh produce, go for a coffee, a locally crafted gift and some people watching.
Fremantle Markets
This permanent indoor market is one of Fremantle's big attractions. Open Thursday to Sunday, there's not much you can't get here. Speciality food stalls sell everything from nuts to doughnuts, liquorice to crepes. You can also buy shoes, jewellery, clothing, gifts, crafts and knick knacks, much of it locally produced. The vast food market is colourful and lively, especially come the end of the weekend when vendors spruik reduced prices. Bread, cheese, wholefoods, m... More

Aboriginal culture is one of the oldest on earth, dating back an estimated 40,000 years. The local Whadjuk Nyoongar culture is rich in oral story telling tradition, so there's no better way to experience it than on a tour with a local custodian.
Djurandi Dreaming
Choose river or lake - Djurandi Dreaming showcases the local indigenous culture right where its heart is. Artwork is part of the experience here, or you can take a tour at Elizabeth Quay or Rockingham. There's even a torchlight tour at a freshwater lake south of Perth, where shallow waters are home to ancient thrombocytes.
Nyungar Tours
Local woman Kerry-Ann Winmar leads tours in South Perth and at Kings Park. Walking through sites of cultural significance, you can hear the traditional stories of the area before it was developed. Get a hands-on experience with a guided look at bush tucker, traditional medicines and ... More

Art galleries remain a great way to take the temperature of a city. The advent of social media sales and other artist-led initiatives has seen a change in the gallery landscape. It's more fragmented, but the galleries that remain work hard to earn their place as cultural hubs. Here's a few worth seeking out in Perth.
The Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth City
The beating heart of Perth's Cultural Centre, the State Gallery houses contemporary and historical art, along with a fine collection of indigenous art. You might catch a visiting blockbuster, but at any time of year the various galleries show permanent collections from eras old and new, as well as a changing palette of temporary shows. Allow some time to take it all in. A good gift shop and cafe make pleasing breathers.
Gallows Gallery, Mosman Park
Exhibitions change every three weeks at this neighbourhood gallery... More

History takes many forms, and these days it's not confined to hushed, dry museums. It's possible to access the stories of Perth - from its rich indigenous history to colonial settlement and more recent tales - at various places across the city. While the much anticipated Western Australian Museum in the Perth Cultural Centre is being rebuilt (due to reopen in 2020) there are myriad ways to get a sense of the things that have shaped Perth.
WA Maritime Museum, Fremantle
It's set on the water's edge, so the architecturally striking WA Maritime Museum is a fitting place to absorb Perth's strong affinity with the sea. Beneath soaring ceilings, see submarines and other iconic vessels, including the winning America's Cup yacht, Australia II. Several galleries house hand-crafted vessels, commercial pearl luggers and the paraphernalia that makes up the state's fascination wit... More